Tang San's POV
The qualifiers for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament were held in Silvis City, the grand capital of the Heaven Dou Empire's southern province. Massive arenas rose like coliseums of old, banners of competing academies fluttering in the wind, crowds roaring from tiered stone seats.
Shrek Academy entered as the dark horse—small, unknown, dressed in patched green uniforms that drew snickers from silk-clad teams like Heaven Dou Royal Academy and Star Luo Empire representatives.
But reputations meant little once battles began.
Their first three rounds were swift dominations: synchronized formations, Ning Rongrong's boosts turning the team into a whirlwind of precision and power. Luo Feng sat in the reserved spectator box with Flender and Grandmaster, expression calm, but his divine sense constantly scanned for threats.
Today's opponent was Blazing Academy—a fire-specialized team whose captain wielded a Fire Dragon martial soul at rank 48.
The arena sand baked under preliminary flame bursts. The referee raised his flag.
"Begin!"
Ning Rongrong's POV – In the Arena
Heat shimmered across the field as Blazing Academy unleashed their opening salvo: coordinated flame waves designed to pressure auxiliary members first.
Ning Rongrong stood at the rear, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spinning brilliantly.
"First treasure: strength, eighty-five percent increase!
Second treasure: speed, eighty-five percent increase!
Third treasure: defense, seventy-five percent increase!
Fourth treasure: spirit power recovery, sixty percent increase!"
Dream Veil unfurled like a gentle aurora, countering the oppressive heat and restoring stamina mid-battle.
Dai Mubai charged forward, White Tiger Barrier shrugging off flames. Zhu Zhuqing blurred into shadows. Ma Hongjun met fire with phoenix fire, his evil fire purified and controlled thanks to recent breakthroughs.
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass wove prisons that smothered flame sources. Xiao Wu danced through gaps, soft-boned techniques disrupting rhythm.
Oscar's recovery and attack sausages flew like projectiles.
It was beautiful—perfect synergy honed at Shrek.
Blazing Academy's captain roared, Fire Dragon possession erupting in a pillar of flame that forced even Dai Mubai back.
But Ning Rongrong's voice cut through the roar, steady and proud.
"Dream Veil—illusion amplification!"
Phantom images of the entire Shrek team multiplied across the field. The real attackers struck from blind spots.
In minutes, Blazing Academy's formation collapsed.
The referee's flag dropped.
"Shrek Academy wins!"
The crowd—initially skeptical—erupted in stunned cheers. Shrek's green uniforms were becoming synonymous with terror.
As they exited the arena, Ning Rongrong's legs trembled from spirit power drain. Strong arms caught her before she stumbled.
Luo Feng had appeared at the team entrance, ignoring protocol.
"You were brilliant," he murmured, supporting her weight effortlessly.
She leaned into him, exhausted but glowing. "We all were."
The rest of the team gathered, laughing and slapping backs. Even Grandmaster allowed rare praise.
But in the shadows of the upper tiers, golden eyes watched.
Hu Liena's POV – Spectator Box
Hu Liena leaned against the railing of Spirit Hall's private viewing box, golden hair catching the light, Charm Fox martial soul subtly active to discourage prying eyes.
Beside her, Xie Yue folded his arms. Yan, ever hot-tempered, gripped the rail tightly.
"That auxiliary girl," Hu Liena said softly, voice like silk over steel. "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with four rings already. Boost percentages higher than recorded norms. And that recovery aura… unprecedented."
Xie Yue's moon blades flickered at his sides. "The control boy—Tang San—his techniques don't match any known sect. Hidden weapons, twin spirits suspected."
Yan growled. "The whole team's monstrous. And that man in their spectator box…"
All three Golden Generation members had felt it: the unfathomable presence seated beside Shrek's dean. No spirit rings visible. No fluctuation. Yet the air around him seemed… heavier.
Hu Liena's charm instincts screamed danger and opportunity in equal measure.
"Teacher will want a full report," she said finally. "Especially about the auxiliary and the unknown expert."
Evening – Shrek Team Quarters
The team had been given modest but private quarters in the competitors' village. Lanterns glowed along stone paths. Other academies celebrated or sulked in nearby buildings.
Inside Shrek's common room, victory dinner was simple but joyful: roasted meats, fresh bread, Oscar's endless sausages.
Ning Rongrong sat close to Luo Feng on a worn sofa, his arm around her shoulders, her head resting against his chest.
Conversation flowed—analysis of the match, jokes about Flender's money-counting dance when they won.
Eventually, the others drifted to their rooms, leaving the couple alone.
Luo Feng brushed hair from her face. "You pushed yourself hard today."
"I had to," she said, looking up at him. "Everyone's watching now. I won't be the weak link."
"You never were," he said firmly. "But promise me—if it ever feels too much, you'll lean on me."
She nodded, eyes soft. "I promise."
The kiss started gentle—gratitude, reassurance—but deepened quickly. Months of building trust, love declared, boundaries respected… all led to this growing hunger.
Hands wandered more boldly now: his under her shirt to trace bare skin of her back, hers sliding up his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle.
Breaths grew ragged.
She pulled back slightly, cheeks flushed, eyes dark with want.
"Not here," she whispered. "Too many thin walls."
He rested his forehead against hers, controlling his own breathing.
"Your room or mine?"
"Mine," she decided, voice trembling with anticipation.
Ning Rongrong's Room – Later
The door clicked shut behind them.
Moonlight filtered through the window, silvering the small space.
Clothes came off slowly—reverent, exploratory. Shirts first, then the rest, until skin met skin in the cool night air.
Luo Feng was careful—always careful—with his strength, hands gentle as he mapped every curve, every sensitive spot that made her gasp.
She was bold in return, tracing scars old and new, marveling at the body of a man who had conquered stars yet trembled slightly under her touch.
When they finally came together, it was slow, emotional—eyes locked, whispered words of love, bodies moving in perfect sync.
Afterward, tangled in sheets, she lay draped across his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
"I love you," she murmured again, as if the words grew stronger with repetition.
"And I love you," he replied, fingers stroking her hair. "Across worlds. Across time."
Sleep came easily, wrapped in each other.
Dawn – Tang San's Quiet Observation
Tang San rose early as always, stepping onto the quarters' small balcony for morning cultivation.
He paused at the sight of Luo Feng emerging from Ning Rongrong's room, robes slightly rumpled, expression quietly content.
Their eyes met across the courtyard.
Tang San nodded once—approval, understanding.
Luo Feng returned the nod, a silent acknowledgment between men who protected the same family.
The qualifiers continued tomorrow.
Stronger teams waited: Thunderclap Academy, Godwind Academy, eventually the other empires' elites.
And in the shadows, Spirit Hall's gaze sharpened.
But Shrek Academy—eight monsters strong, bound by friendship, love, and unbreakable will—stood ready.
The continent would soon learn their name.